Summary
The Glasgow Code Learning project provides supported digital courses and qualifications to individuals from underrepresented groups, and helps them with their transition into employment or further education post-completion.
Making A Difference
The case study included below tells the story of Jake, who hadn’t gained any qualifications since leaving school 5 years ago, but is now on-track to a role as a Software Developer after engaging with the Glasgow Code Learning Service. The project also has links to multiple Community Plan Performance Indicators.
There is an ever-evolving demand for digital skills driven by the increased adoption of digital technologies by businesses across a number of sectors, and certain groups have been historically consistently underrepresented in this area of the labour market.
Glasgow Life’s Glasgow Code Learning initiative aims to tackle these issues by providing accessible skills training specifically targeted towards these underrepresented groups.
In partnership with Glasgow Clyde College, courses have been specifically developed and adapted to meet the needs of eligible YPG young people, and engagement with them is made via city partnerships and direct advertising. Initially GCL tutors guide learners through an aptitude assessment, which leads into triage courses, and then the delivery of three levels of digital courses/qualifications – with support provided throughout.
Courses are delivered flexibly with a condensed blend of online lectures, theory, practical workshops, webinars, industry guest speakers and Q&A sessions, along with the option for face-to-face ‘drop-in’ for further support where required.
The programme also aims to support students with their transition into employment or further education after the programme. This is provided by programme partners Skills Development Scotland who work with existing partners, SMEs and sector employers to source employment opportunities through the Young Person’s Guarantee.
The Scottish Government’s Digital Strategy aims include ‘removing barriers to underrepresented groups progressing into and within our digital professions across the public and private sectors’ and taking action to ‘tackle the persistent gender gap in digital skills and careers’. GCL’s free and flexible delivery model has a proven track record in attracting learners from underrepresented groups.
The Young Person Guarantee No-one Left Behind Initial Report recommends that training and employment opportunities are ‘specifically geared towards an industry’ and build ‘sustainable skills to enhance future employment prospects’. This aligns with the objectives of GCL, which was designed as both an immediate and long-term solution for meeting the ever-evolving demand for digital skills driven by the increased adoption of digital technologies by businesses across a number of sectors.
For more information on the Glasgow Code Learning programme, visit the Glasgow Life website here.
Case Study
The name in the case study below has been changed to protect the individual’s identity.
Jake is a 23-year-old Game Tester who lives in Pollok, one of the most deprived areas in Glasgow. Jake holds a zero-hour contract however, at the point of engagement with Glasgow Life, he hadn’t worked for over 2 months.
Having not gained any qualifications since he’d left school over 5 years ago, the free and accredited digital courses offered by Glasgow Life’s Glasgow Code Learning (GCL) appealed. Jake found the programme on the Glasgow Life website and completed the online registration form, gaining a place on the programme’s intermediate level Software Development course.
“I’m learning more about software development which is my overall goal… I have always looked for an apprenticeship or job, but lacked the qualification. So hopefully I can pass both this, achieve a place on the Pro course and find one.”
Jake completed his YPG Action Plan within 6 weeks, successfully gaining the SQA’s National Progression Award in Software Development (SCQF level 6). The courses are delivered by programme partner’s Glasgow Clyde College, and enhanced by sessions from employers from the Digital Technologies sector, sourced by Glasgow Life’s other partner organisation, Skills Development Scotland.
The experience gave Jake the confidence and skills he required to reach his goal of being accepted on GCL’s Pro level programme. Jake is currently working his way through the SQA’s Personal Development Award in Software Development (SCQF level 7) and with the continued support of the GCL programme, has set his sights on a role as a Software Developer
